A hernia mesh is a medical device that has become increasingly popular to use in hernia repair procedures, however, it has also caused patients severe complications. A hernia is when an organ or fatty tissue squeezes through a weak spot in the muscle or tissue. Hernias most often occur in the abdomen, but can also happen in the belly button, upper thigh, and groin regions. There are several types of hernias, but the most common are inguinal, hiatal, femoral, umbilical, and incisional. If left untreated, a hernia can be extremely painful and cause severe injuries.

Over one million hernia repairs are performed every year, and hernia mesh is used in 90 percent of these repairs. A hernia mesh is used to provide additional support to weakened or damaged tissue. Hernias have a high risk of recurrence, which is why this device has grown in popularity. While a hernia mesh does provide additional reinforcement, the mesh can also cause serious medical complications.

Reported complications of hernia mesh include:

  • Infection
  • Chronic pain
  • Mesh migration
  • Mesh rejection
  • Mesh adhesion
  • Bowel obstruction
  • Organ perforation

These complications often result in additional surgeries to remove the device and repair the original hernia, causing the patient unnecessary pain and suffering. Often, the problem with hernia mesh devices lies in its composition. Many hernia mesh manufacturers use cheap plastic or other synthetic materials for the mesh, which can be unsafe for permanent implantation in the human body. The FDA has recalled several types of hernia mesh devices in recent years due to a high rate of complications.

The manufacturers of these defective meshes did not ensure the safety of their product before releasing it to market, and the manufacturers should be held liable for this negligence. Lawsuits have been filed against multiple manufacturers of hernia mesh including Ethicon, Bard, Atrium, and Covidien. Compensation for hernia mesh may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. So far manufacturing companies have paid over a billion dollars for hernia mesh settlements.

If you or a loved one experienced complications from a hernia mesh, contact the Law Offices of Rudolph F.X. Migliore. These types of lawsuits can leave victims feeling powerless against large manufacturing companies, and we want to help. We are with you every step of the way, so you are never alone. Call our Long Island office at 631-543-3663 to schedule a free consultation. When it comes to your case, we are your point of contact.